Booking a train ticket online in India is now faster and more convenient than ever, thanks to the Indian Railways' IRCTC platform. Whether you're a daily commuter or planning a long journey, understanding the online train booking process is essential. In this 2025 guide, we’ll walk you through how to book train tickets online in India step-by-step—from account creation to Tatkal and offline options. This guide is perfect for first-time users or anyone needing a quick refresher.
Create Your IRCTC Account
Before you book a ticket, you need to register on the IRCTC website. Click on “Register” (top-right corner). Fill in your name, mobile number, email, and address, and set a username & password. Complete mobile and email verification. Tip: Use a frequently used mobile and email so you never miss ticket alerts or PNR updates. Once done, log in using your new credentials.
Search Trains and Check Availability
After logging in, enter your "from" and "to" stations. Choose your travel date. Select travel class: Sleeper (SL), 3rd AC (3A), 2nd AC (2A), etc. Click “Find Trains.” You’ll see a list of available trains. Click “Check Availability & Fare” for your preferred class. Then, select “Book Now.”
Fill in Passenger & Travel Details
Now enter passenger details. Name, Age, Gender. Berth Preference (Lower/Middle/Upper). Select concessions if applicable (senior citizen, disability, etc.). Add emergency contact (recommended). You can also save frequent passengers in IRCTC’s “Master List” for quicker bookings.
Make a Secure Payment
Choose your payment method: UPI (Google Pay, PhonePe, Paytm). Net
Banking. Credit/Debit Card. IRCTC Wallet
Once payment is successful, you’ll receive a PNR number. an e-ticket (via
SMS/email). You can travel with a digital ticket and original ID proof
(Aadhaar, PAN, Voter ID, etc.).
Tatkal Ticket Booking Guide (Last-Minute Travel)
Missed advance booking? Try the Tatkal Quota for emergency tickets.
Starting
July 1, 2025, only Aadhaar-authenticated users will be allowed to book
Tatkal train tickets on the IRCTC website and mobile apps. Step 1: Log in to
the IRCTC website or the IRCTC Rail Connect Mobile App. Step 2: Go to "My
Account". Step 3: Click on “Authenticate User” and complete the process. For AC Classes: Opens at 10 AM (1 day before journey). For Sleeper Class:
Opens at 11 AM (1 day before). Tips for booking Tatkal online: Log in
5–10 mins early. Select the “Tatkal” quota. Use pre-saved passenger
info (Master List). Complete payment quickly—seats fill in seconds!
Use fast internet and be ready with your preferred payment method.
Prefer offline? Book at the Railway Reservation.
You can still book at a reservation counter if you prefer the traditional
way, available at most railway stations
Timings: 8 AM–8 PM (Mon–Sat), 8 AM–2 PM (Sun) Steps:
Grab a reservation form. Fill in the train number, stations, date, class,
and passenger info. Provide one valid ID proof (original or
photocopy). Submit and pay (cash or card). Receive a printed ticket
with a PNR number.
Train Ticket Booking Checklist.
Whether booking online or offline: Correct Train Number & Class. Passenger names matching ID. Valid mobile number. ID proof for at least one passenger. PNR confirmation
Sources Cited:
IRCTC
Official Website – Ticket Booking
Indian
Railways FAQs – Ministry of Railways
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